1996 Natura
The elephant theme is based upon an amazing elephant bull called "Mandleve" (Shangan, an African language meaning "the one with the torn ear"), and his descendants.
He was easily identified by his torn ear and was well respected both by animals and humans alike, during his lifetime.
Mandleve died of natural causes in 1993 at the approximate age if 65, a few kilometres from Sabi Sabi River Lodge, Mpumulanga, South Africa. His tusks were intact and were each measured at an identical 2.715 metres and weighed 69 and 73.5 kilograms respectively. Heavier than any of the original "Magnificent Seven" elephants found in the Southern African region, Mandleve will always remain a legend in elephant folklore and a magnificent example of a truly great "Tusker".
This was evident just before his death when Mandleve was protected by at least six askaris (body guards) which was an indication of his status.
Designs
The designs of all the Natura series are, in our opinion, very artistically created and engraved, with themes which may be bold or subtle, but which break away from more traditional coin designs, and with fine detailing and artistic expression more akin to historic medals or medallions.
Technical Specifications
The following tables summarise the specifications of all the sizes.
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Size | Diameter | Weight | Fineness | Gold Content |
Gold Content
|
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Full | 32.69 | 31.107 | .9999 | 31.104 | 1.0000
|
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Half | 27.00 | 15.553 | .9999 | 15.552 | 0.5000
|
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Quarter | 22.00 | 7.777 | .9999 | 7.776 | 0.2500
|
|
Tenth | 16.50 | 3.110 | .9999 | 3.110 | 0.1000 |
Artists and Diesinkers
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Details | Ounce | Half | Quarter | Tenth
|
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Obverse Design | A. L. Sutherland | A. L. Sutherland | A. L. Sutherland | A. L. Sutherland
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Reverse Design | B. Hartland | S. Erasmus | A. Minnie | J. Steyn
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Bargain Prices
We have recently acquired just one of the 1996 proof Natura sets, and are able to offer this at a considerable saving compared with the original issue price. If you are interested in a proof gold set, we suggest you buy now while this prices are still available.
Price & Availability
Complete Boxed Natura Gold Proof Sets
Prices & Availability
The prices quoted in the US $ and € columns may become out of date due to currency fluctuations.
|
Date | Description | Mintage | Availability | Price £ | Price $ | Price €
|
|
1996 | Elephant | 5,000 | Sold | £750 | $1,125 | €1,390
|
Key to Table
Mintage: Most recent figures quoted in Krause.
Availability: At the last update of this page.
Please check our Standard Terms for Bullion Coins.
You may wish to use our Order Form UK
Order Form USA.
Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £6 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10, Insured Shipping $20
Canada Airmail $15, Insured Shipping via Fedex $60
